Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Two thumbs way, way up!

When I heard that Wendy Bernard had a book, Custom Knits, coming out, I knew that it would be a winner. I've made many of her patterns: Sizzle, Drive-Thru and have contemplated starting a Somewhat Cowl on many occasions but then common sense got the better if me and I knew that, through no fault of the designer, I would look like a giant tuberous vegetable in that one. But what a pattern! And how many of you have also wanted to do Something Red as well?

Anypotato, I am here to tell you that the book is a major winner in every way. Right off the bat there are at least 4 patterns that are so right on the money for me. The book offers several versions of many patterns thereby permitting you to play around with different options--and isn't that what it's all about, people?

First on deck for me is Ingenue, a look that at age 42 I can probably work for like 15 more minutes, so I am trying to do this one in a hurry. Amazingly enough (or maybe not. Have you seen my stash recently?) I had enough of the exact yarn for this one on hand, and it's a good thing, because Karabella Marble is discontinued. How bitter are you now about not nabbing it during one of my many feeble attempts to get rid of it on Destash? I know, it hurts.Most of the patterns in Custom Knits feature a top-down, raglan construction, which I happen to love. I have made great progress working on this during the past couple of days and anticipate finishing soon. Did I just write that?

Something I'm not holding against the book is that much of the clothing in the book is by Jeffery Sibelia, winner of season 3 of Project Runway. You might just know him by the name my brother and I referred to him as, "Neck Tattoo"? Yes Wendy, he is très L.A., but was his inclusion totally necessary? I mean, he made Angela's plus size mom CRY, and so I must show chub solidarity with her.

I am sure that you are like me and have your favorite knitting designers, you know, the patterns you automatically buy whether you really intend to make them or not. All you have to know is that 'Madame X' wrote the pattern, and well, that's all you really need to know. You know you'll want it, even sight unseen. At least that's the view from where I stand. I am curious:

Who are your go-to designers, the patterns do YOU buy sight unseen, and what are you basing your love on?

26 comments:

Hrrrm. Being a guy, the choices can be a bit limited methiks. You gotta be more basic like an EZ or MS or Ann Budd's "Handy Book of Patterns". But, I'm very excited by Alice Starmore, Adrian Bizilia, Jared Flood, and most recently Lisa Lloyd in "A Fine Fleece".

I'm even more curious about the book now with the Project Run way link - though he was not my absolute favorite designer. He is funky! I love your Ingenue - it is on the top of my list - I am awaiting my Amazon box for my own copy:)

I think it has to be Kim Hargreaves. There's barely a pattern in her last three books that I wouldn't want to make. My devotion extends so far that despite all the difficulties I'm having with her Joy pattern at the moment I'm blaming my own mental processes rather than cursing her name. She's my Desert Island Designer.

For the life of me I couldn't mention one single favorite designer... Not their fault, though, it's just that I am completely unable.to.follow.the.directions. I like to refer to a reference book (like Priscilla Ginson-Roberts or Barbara Walker), draw my own foggy directions, follow them just as whimsically and end up with a Horror Show of my very own mistakes. All the talent of those brilliant designers out there is completely wasted on me. What a shame !!But I admit Custom Knits looks pretty seductive. Perhaps something to consider for a rehab' journey ?xx

I'm not sure I have a go-to designer per se; I'm not sure I've knit enough of any one to make that kind of judgment, although I can say that EZ has never steered me wrong.

I'm glad to hear the good review of "Custom Knits." I've enjoyed the Wendy Bernard patterns I've knit in the past, but I don't always love her patterns (some of them just wouldn't be flattering on me).

I agree. I love this book too and I like that she provides tips for modifying the patterns. Some have too much of a flashdance neckline going on or are too short and my flabby gut would hang out. I'm a sucker for the top down raglan. I also have a big soft spot for Stefanie Japel, another queen of the top down raglan.

My go to designer is Stephanie Japel... LOVE her stuff. I'm a fan of top down and she is good for that. I am also a HUGE fan of Amy Swenson (Greenjeans, need I say more) mostly because in addition to loving her patterns, I love her... she is one of the nicest people I know.

Sounds like I'm definately going to need to add that book to my knitting library. I *heart* top-down raglan construction too.

Okay, mark me down as another vote for Kate Gilbert - I always love anything she designs. Oh, but if it's something lacy, it has to be Anne Hanson. She must have made a pact with the devil or something - how else does she come up with so many pattern so quickly - and every one a winner?? ;)

Love reading your blog. I have added Wendy's book to my amazon wish list (it's my birthday next month, and one can hope) ;-)I love all things Debbie Bliss, and just picked up her premier magazine yesterday - love it!